We depend upon the generosity of people like you to help us improve pediatric health and enhance the patient care experience. Because at Children’s, we don’t just care for children, we care for the most amazing people on earth.

The most experience, the best care

We treat patients with both acute and chronic breathing problems in the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota pulmonology and respiratory medicine program. Our asthma clinic is the largest pediatric asthma center in the state. Our Cystic Fibrosis Center – where kids with CF, a pulmonary related condition are seen, is in the top tier of cystic fibrosis centers in the Midwest. We’ve even been accredited by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as a Translational and Therapeutics Development Center. That means we are able to offer leading-edge clinical trial drugs to patients.

We believe that continuity of care means excellent care. That’s why we assign every patient a dedicated primary pulmonology clinician. This doctor or nurse practitioner is responsible for a child’s care from the moment they step in our doors through their follow-up care. The highly trained team also supports other specialists when they need expertise in breathing issues.

Comprehensive care for breathing disorders

Many lung and respiratory conditions are chronic problems. That’s why we’re experts in not only diagnosis and treatment, but also management.

We’re much more than doctors of the lungs. Pulmonologists deal with any condition that affects breathing, from neurological disorders to spine disorders. If it’s keeping a child from breathing well, we’re there to help. A few of the conditions we treat include:

Asthma — A chronic disease where the airways become sore, swollen and narrow so that the lungs take in less air

Aspiration — Breathing in a foreign object

Bronchitis — Inflammation of the airways that bring air in and out of the lungs (bronchial tubes)

Bronchiolitis— Inflammation of the tiny airways that branch off from the bronchial tubes

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia — Inflammation and scarring of the lungs, most common in severely premature babies

Croup — A loud, barking cough usually caused by a viral infection resulting in respiratory distress

Congenital lung malformations — When lungs develop improperly while a baby is in the womb

Cystic fibrosis — A disease that causes the mucus in the lungs, sinuses and other organs to become sticky and thick, clogging the lungs and causing lung infections

Chronic breathing disorders due to premature birth—A condition resulting in apnea or breathing problems from an immature brain and respiratory system

Gastroesophageal reflux — The result of the esophagus (food tube) not closing properly, allowing stomach contents to rise up into the esophagus and cause irritation (Hmong and Spanish translations available at link)

Pneumonia — A lung infection that causes fever, cough, chest pain and shortness of breath (Hmong, Somali, and Spanish translations available at link).

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) —An inherited disorder which can result in chronic, recurrent infections in the lungs, ears and sinuses due to the loss of ciliary activity in those areas.

Respiratory failure — What happens when there is too little oxygen going from the lungs to the rest of the body, caused by lung diseases, nerve problems, damage to the tissues surrounding the lungs or other reasons

Respiratory infections (chronic and acute) — A bacterial or viral infection of the respiratory tract, including the common cold and influenza

Scoliosis — Spinal curvature, which can affect the position and function of the lungs and respiratory system

Sleep apnea — A condition where the airway closes during sleep leading to sleep disordered breathing

Special care for special kids

The team of dedicated, expert doctors and nurses from Children’s and Children’s Respiratory & Critical Care Specialists gives 110 percent every day. Because that’s what your child deserves. Here’s a snapshot of what makes us stand out:

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Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to the Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Our tax identification number is 41-1754276.